Bloodhound vs German Shepherd

Hound · Large vs Herding · Large

Quick take
  • Bloodhound is the larger breed at 90–110 lbs (males) vs 65–90 lbs for the German Shepherd.
  • The German Shepherd has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Bloodhound sheds less.
  • The German Shepherd is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitBloodhoundGerman Shepherd
Group
HoundHerding
Size
LargeLarge
Origin
BelgiumGermany
Height (male)
25–27"24–26"
Height (female)
23–25"22–24"
Weight (male)
90–110 lbs65–90 lbs
Weight (female)
80–100 lbs50–70 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–12 years9–13 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
shortmedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a friendly, independent, inquisitive scenthound — the world's premier nose, used in police tracking. Originally from Belgium, this large hound breed typically weighs 90–110 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, independent, inquisitive.

About the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed. Originally from Germany, this large herding breed typically weighs 65–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years. Breeders describe them as confident, courageous, smart.

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Bloodhound health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Bloat
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye conditions
  • Ear infections

German Shepherd health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Degenerative myelopathy